Underminer

The goal of the Underminer program is to demonstrate the feasibility of rapidly constructing tactical tunnel networks that enable secure, responsive resupply. A tactical tunnel network could provide secure logistics support infrastructure, such as pre-positioning supplies in advance of an operation or providing ongoing resupply as troops move through an area. The ability to rapidly bore tactical tunnels could be helpful in contingency operations such as rapid ammunition resupply or rescue missions.

Currently, no Department of Defense military occupational specialty includes tactical tunnel creation or exploitation; and current tunneling operations primarily rely on exploratory bores and above ground guidance beacons. Underminer aims to create aggressive tunneling approaches, downhole sensing, and operations concepts that surpass these limitations, and could incorporate capabilities from the commercial sector, including oil and gas, utility, geological, environmental, and other industries.